Malta's International Airport: All You Need To Know

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Malta International Airport (MIA) is the only airport in Malta and serves the whole Maltese archipelago. It is located on the island of Malta, southwest of the capital, Valletta, in the town of Luqa, and is sometimes referred to as Luqa Airport. The airport has a single terminal that became fully operational on 25 March 1992, replacing the old Luqa terminal.

Characteristics Values
Name Malta International Airport
Abbreviation MIA
Airport Code MLA
Location Luqa, Malta
Distance from Valletta 5km
Alternate names Luqa Airport, Valletta Airport
Number of terminals 1
Number of floors 3
Number of aircraft parking areas 9
Number of parking spaces 2700
Number of check-in desks 36 (planned expansion to 68)
Number of gates 18 (planned expansion to 24)
Number of passengers served (2011) 3.5 million
Number of passengers served (2023) 6.3 million
Number of passengers served (2024) 9 million
Airlines KM Malta Airlines, Medavia, Ryanair, Malta Air, Air Malta, Emirates, Airbus A380
Amenities Restaurants, shops, duty-free shops, free Wi-Fi, lounges, baggage services, shuttle service, lost & found, reduced mobility assistance, sensory room

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Malta International Airport is the only airport in Malta

Malta International Airport (MIA) is the only airport in Malta, serving the whole of the Maltese Islands. It is located on the island of Malta, about 5km southwest of Valletta, the Maltese capital. It is sometimes referred to as Luqa Airport or Valletta Airport as it is situated in the town of Luqa.

The airport has a single terminal that became fully operational on 25 March 1992, replacing the old Luqa terminal, which is now mostly used for cargo. The current terminal building was constructed in a record time of 29 months and was completed in February 1992. It was partly funded by the Maltese government, as well as through loans from the European Investment Bank and Maltese commercial banks. The terminal has a capacity of serving five million passengers per year, although it served around 6.3 million passengers in 2023.

Malta International Airport offers a range of amenities and services for passengers. These include lounges, shops, duty-free shops, restaurants, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. It also provides special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, such as priority seating, T-loop systems, lifts, escalators, and dedicated washrooms. The airport has a VIP lounge called the La Valette Club and hosts several maintenance facilities.

The airport serves as the main hub for KM Malta Airlines, Air Malta, and Medavia. It is also an operating base for Ryanair and its subsidiary Malta Air. Malta International Airport is well-connected to other international European airports and is easily accessible by public and private transportation.

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It is located in Luqa, 5km southwest of Valletta

Malta International Airport (MIA) is located in Luqa, 5km southwest of Valletta, the capital of Malta. It is the only airport in Malta and serves the whole of the Maltese Islands. The airport is also referred to as Luqa Airport or Valletta Airport. It is the main hub for Air Malta Airlines and KM Malta Airlines, and a base for Ryanair. The airport offers a range of amenities and services, including lounges, shops, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. It also provides special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, such as priority seating, T-loop systems, lifts, escalators, and dedicated washrooms.

The airport is easily accessible, with various transport options available. An official Malta Airport shuttle offers a shared service that can be booked online from the Malta Transfer desk in the baggage reclaim area. For those who prefer to drive, the airport provides 2,700 parking spaces across three areas: Main Car Park (P1, P2, P3), SkyParks Underground, and Park East. The first 10 minutes of parking are free, and the rates are reasonable for both short and long-term stays.

Malta International Airport has a rich history, dating back to the former RAF Luqa. The current terminal building was completed in February 1992, replacing the old Luqa terminal, which is now primarily used for cargo. The new terminal was designed with a capacity to handle five million passengers annually, but the airport has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers over the years, with around 6.3 million passengers served in 2023.

The airport is well-connected to other international European airports and is home to 25 airlines. It has nine designated aircraft parking areas, including spaces for general aviation, maintenance, small aircraft, the Armed Forces of Malta, and commercial planes. The taxiways have been upgraded to meet the latest ICAO standards, ensuring efficient and safe operations.

Malta International Airport also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. It has implemented initiatives to utilise solar energy, saving €30,000 in electricity costs. Additionally, the Business Centre located within the airport grounds is the first building in Malta to apply for BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method), striving to become the island's first Grade A office park.

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The airport offers a VIP lounge, shops, restaurants and free Wi-Fi

Malta International Airport, also known as Luqa Airport, is the only airport in Malta. It is located on the island of Malta, southwest of the Maltese capital, Valletta, in the town of Luqa. The airport offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience of its passengers.

One notable feature of the airport is its VIP lounge, the La Valette Club, which offers an exclusive space for travellers seeking a premium experience. In addition to the VIP lounge, the airport also boasts an extensive range of retail and dining options. Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping, with shops offering a variety of products, including travel essentials, souvenirs, and local specialties. The airport is also home to several restaurants, catering to different tastes and preferences, whether travellers are looking for a quick bite or a taste of traditional Maltese cuisine.

For those seeking convenience and comfort, Malta International Airport provides various services and facilities. The airport offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to stay connected and entertained during their time in the airport. It also provides special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, ensuring that all travellers can navigate the airport with ease. This includes priority seating, T-loop systems at information desks, lifts, escalators, and dedicated washrooms.

The airport is well-equipped to handle different types of aircraft and has designated parking areas for general aviation, maintenance, small planes, and the Armed Forces of Malta. It also offers baggage services, such as baggage wrapping and left luggage, providing convenience and peace of mind to travellers. Malta International Airport is easily accessible, with an official airport shuttle providing transportation to and from the terminal, and ample parking options available for those who prefer to drive.

Malta International Airport is a hub for various airlines, including KM Malta Airlines, Medavia, Ryanair, and Malta Air. It serves as the main point of entry for visitors to the Maltese Islands and has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers over the years, catering to almost 9 million passengers in 2024. The airport is well-connected to other international European airports, making it a convenient gateway to the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta.

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Malta Airport served 3.5 million passengers in 2011, increasing to 9 million in 2024

Malta International Airport, also known as Luqa Airport, is the only airport in Malta. It is located on the island of Malta, southwest of the Maltese capital, Valletta, in the town of Luqa. The airport serves as the main hub for KM Malta Airlines, Air Malta Airlines, and Medavia, and is also a base for the budget airline Ryanair.

Malta International Airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers over the years. In 2011, the airport served 3.5 million passengers, recorded 28,022 aircraft movements, and handled 17,891 tonnes of cargo. By 2024, the passenger numbers had almost tripled, reaching 9 million. This increase can be attributed to the rise in the number of routes served by low-cost carriers. Ryanair, for example, gradually increased its presence in Malta, starting with one aircraft in 2010 and expanding to six by 2019.

The airport's single terminal, completed in 1992, is well-equipped to handle this growing passenger volume. It offers various amenities, including lounges, shops, duty-free shopping, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The terminal building includes spacious check-in counters, welcome halls, cafeterias, restaurants, baggage reclaim areas, and retail outlets. There are also two business-class executive lounges and a VIP lounge, providing additional comfort and convenience for travellers.

Malta International Airport is easily accessible, with various transportation options available. It provides 2,700 parking spaces across three areas, ensuring convenience for those arriving by car. Additionally, an official airport shuttle offers a shared transportation service to and from the terminal, which can be booked online. For those utilising public transportation, several bus routes operated by Malta Public Transport serve the airport, providing convenient connections to and from various locations.

The airport also offers a range of special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Service Call Points are strategically placed throughout the airport, including at the transport drop-off area, check-in hall, and departure gates. These services encompass priority seating, T-loop systems, lifts, escalators, dedicated washrooms, and accessible food and beverage options. The airport goes beyond physical accessibility by providing ambulifts for aircraft access and assistance with connecting flights, ensuring a seamless travel experience for all.

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It is the main hub for Air Malta and a base for Ryanair

Malta International Airport is the main hub for Air Malta and a base for Ryanair. It is located on the island of Malta, southwest of the Maltese capital, Valletta, in the town of Luqa. It is the only airport in Malta and serves the whole of the Maltese Islands. The airport is also referred to as Luqa Airport or Valletta Airport. It is home to 25 airlines, including KM Malta Airlines, Medavia, and Ryanair. The head office of Air Malta is located within the airport's Skyparks Business Centre.

Ryanair has been increasing its presence at Malta International Airport since 2010, basing one aircraft in Malta that year and increasing to six by April 2019. The airport has a single passenger terminal that became fully operational on 25 March 1992, replacing the old Luqa terminal, which is now mostly used for cargo. The current terminal building was completed in a record time of 29 months and was partly funded by the Maltese government and loans from the European Investment Bank and Maltese commercial banks. It was designed with a capacity to handle five million passengers annually, but the airport now serves almost 9 million passengers a year.

The terminal building includes departure and arrival halls on either side of the main building, with spacious check-in counters, welcome halls, cafeterias, restaurants, baggage reclaim areas, tax-free shops, retail outlets, and other services. There are also two business-class executive lounges and an exclusive VVIP lounge called the La Valette Club. The airport provides a range of special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, including priority seating, T-loop systems at information desks, lifts, escalators, dedicated washrooms, potable water fountains, and accessible F&B and retail outlets.

Malta International Airport offers baggage services on the Ground Floor, including baggage wrapping and 24/7 left luggage. The airport has nine designated aircraft parking areas, with parks 4, 8, and 9 serving as the main parking areas for commercial aircraft. The airport also hosts several maintenance facilities, including those operated by Lufthansa Technik and SR Technics. An official Malta Airport shuttle is available to transport passengers from the terminal to their hotels, and the airport provides 2,700 parking spaces across three areas.

Frequently asked questions

Malta International Airport, also referred to as Luqa Airport or Valletta Airport.

Malta International Airport is located on the island of Malta, about 5km southwest of Valletta, the Maltese capital.

Malta International Airport offers a range of amenities, including lounges, shops, duty-free shops, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and restaurants catering to various tastes. The airport also provides special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, such as priority seating, T-loop systems, lifts, escalators, and dedicated washrooms.

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